Install Adobe Reader 9.3.2 on Ubuntu 10.04 LTS “Lucid Lynx”

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The topic of installing Adobe products in Ubuntu has both been loved and hated by reader since the first time I outlined it. Some very much appreciate the clear steps outlining installation of the PDF reader application. Others despise the idea of proprietary software intermingling with their otherwise open source desktop. However you feel about Adobe Reader, love it or hate it, it is a popular application and in many cases required by users for work or otherwise. With each new Ubuntu release I outline how to install and update your Adobe Reader installation.

Repository Requirements (Optional)

Canonical, the parent company behind Ubuntu, has provided a repository to distribute Adobe Reader and similar applications. The method of installing Ubuntu by way of a repository is more automated than a direct download from the Adobe website. I’ll outline either version, but keep in mind that I prefer (and suggest!) the first. Configuring the partner repository is a requirement for the first option.

Canonical Partner Repository – Option 1

Installation of Adobe Reader 9 requires the activation of the Canonical Partner repository. You can add the Partner repository by following the steps outlined below.

The alternate installation solution is to download Adobe Reader directly from the Adobe website. As a disclaimer, I should warn you that this method will not receive automatic updates and it is left to the user to download and install any future releases of this application.

If you understand these requirements, continue to install Adobe Reader using the following steps:

Depending on your browser you may be prompted to open the package with the package installer, or it will simply save it to disk. If it saves to disk, you’ll simply need to double-click the archive for the installation to begin.

Conclusion

Most of my dealings with PDF files is managed by Evince, the default GNOME pdf reader. Occasionally however I need the Adobe-specific application. As with many of the readers here, I prefer the free software solution where possible, but sometimes it just isn’t possible. Love it or hate it, Adobe Reader is sometimes part of our lives.

Again, I would suggest the first solution toward installing Adobe Reader as it will automatically manage security updates for you. The packages are provided directly from Canonical, Ubuntu’s parent company, and managed by Ubuntu staff. I trust these packages just as much (if not more) than the direct-from-adobe packages available in the secondary solution.

Thanks for sharing a lot of useful information on this web site! Just a question regading PDF readers from a less advanced user:

I deal with PDF files using Okular, the default (and excellent) KDE PDF reader. So far, I have never needed Adobe Reader. If that occasion is estimated to come sooner or later, please give examples of such cases when that would be the case!

Some users need to specifically for work as the Adobe product does have some features that the free and open source solutions do not. The only time that I need to use it is when I need to digitally sign my .pdf documents using my CAC (Common Access Card), as I work with the US government and it is a requirement.

I’m sure others can comment on why / when they need to use Adobe over other solutions.

@ Christer Edwards How are you digitally signing documents in reader with your CAC in linux. I can’t find any reference on how to do this? Adobe will not see my reader, however firefox works fine with it. How do I configure adobe reader to do this?

Can I suggest that you include instructions to install Adobe Acrobat from the Software Centre, and make this Option1. This should be the standard method now to install any software and completely avoids the complexity of command line or synaptic for new users of Ubuntu.